How much is the Solomon Islands infrastructure project worth?

The financing package for the project, worth over US$200 million, through loans and grants from six institutions, marks the first large-scale infrastructure project for Solomon Islands to be developed as a public-private partnership (PPP).

Is expensive power holding back Solomon Islands' Development?

Solomon Islands MP Peter Kenilorea Junior says expensive power is holding back Solomon Islands' development. (ABC News: Luke Bowden) Mr Kenilorea, an opposition MP and outspoken critic of the Sogavare government, says the impacts of the high costs of power are "massive".

Why are electricity prices so high in Solomon?

According to Martin Sam, the acting chief executive of state-owned Solomon Power, the country's energy authority, the causes of the high prices are "complex". He says the country's geography, with a population of 700,000 spread over hundreds of islands, is one cause. The other is the source of electricity.

Why are energy costs so high in the Solomon Islands?

Solomon Islands Government energy division director John Korinihona rejected any accusation of corruption or self-interest from the government as a cause of the high energy costs, and instead pointed to a planned "tariff reduction" to help reduce costs.

Is expensive power a roadblock in Solomon Islands' economic growth?

For Solomon Islands' MP Peter Kenilorea, it is a major roadblock in the country's economic growth and "not something to be proud of". Solomon Islands MP Peter Kenilorea Junior says expensive power is holding back Solomon Islands' development. (ABC News: Luke Bowden)

What percentage of Solomon Islanders have access to power?

On top of the cost, according to advocacy groups only about 15 to 20 per cent of Solomon Islanders have access to power. For Solomon Islands' MP Peter Kenilorea, it is a major roadblock in the country's economic growth and "not something to be proud of".